 Replacement
windows and doors regulations
The Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme has been set up to
help compliance with strict new Building Regulations for domestic
properties and Document L in particular, effective from April
2002. The purpose is to ensure higher standards of work and
product specification.
All installers of replacement windows or doors must comply
with improved thermal performance standards. As there are
over 1 million installations of replacement glazing every
year, putting all of these through the Building Regulations
applications process would flood the system. The FENSA scheme
allows installation companies that meet certain criteria
to self-certify that their work complies with the Building
Regulations. FENSA will:
- Inspect samples of work by the installer to ensure that
standards are maintained.
- Inform local authorities of completed installations by
registered companies.
- Issue certificates to householders confirming compliance.
Work done as a DIY project or by a non-registered installer
will need full local authority approval under the Building
Regulations.
Advice to householders:
- As a householder, you are ultimately responsible
for ensuring that the work complies with the Regulations.
Before signing a contract to buy replacement glazing, be
sure to ask the installer to confirm that he is able to
self-certify.
- Retain the certificate issued to you by FENSA when the
work is completed. Without this you may encounter difficulty
and expense when the time comes to sell your property. The
purchaser’s solicitor will ask for this documentation during
the search procedure.
- Installers must meet certain entry criteria which include:
- A commitment to comply with the Building Regulations
- Evidence of general competence
- Evidence of commitment to fair trading
- Willingness to offer insurance backed guarantees
before installation
It can be seen that these criteria are set out to ensure
that the consumer is treated fairly and that property repair
in the UK meets an acceptable standard. Thus if you are quoted
by an installer who is not registered with FENSA it is probably
best to look elsewhere.
For more details on FENSA visit www.fensa.org.uk.
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